Man guilty of Reigate hit-and-run soldier death

Ben Regan, pictured with his father Jim, was pronounced dead at the scene

A man has been found guilty of killing a soldier in a hit and run crash.

Ben Regan, 20, who served with the Coldstream Guards, died in Reigate, Surrey, early on 20 June 2015.

Jake Polmeer, 27, of Bushfield Drive, Redhill, was convicted at Winchester Crown Court of causing death by careless driving and will be sentenced on Monday.

The court heard Polmeer's speeding car knocked Mr Regan "out of his shoes" but did not stop after.

Ben Regan had just left Joules bar when he was hit by the Mini Cooper driven by Jake Polmeer

Mr Regan was talking on his phone after he came out of Joules wine bar into Bell Street at about 02:00 BST.

Prosecutor Robert Rawson said experts estimated Polmeer's Mini Cooper was travelling at least 36mph in the 30mph zone when the accident happened.

"He didn't stop, he didn't brake, he didn't even apply the brakes," Mr Rawson told the court. "He knew he was at fault and needed to get away."

Polmeer, whose girlfriend was in the passenger seat of his car, drove straight home.

The car, which had a smashed windscreen and dented roof, was found the following day at Polmeer's home after a neighbour informed police.

He later handed himself into the police.